NRL Celebrates Record $62.3M Surplus and Historic Growth in 2024 Season

February 21, 2025
NRL Celebrates Record $62.3M Surplus and Historic Growth in 2024 Season
  • ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys AM noted that increased participation and viewership indicate that more people are engaging with rugby league than ever before.

  • Looking ahead, the NRL plans to focus on grassroots investment, income-generating assets, and expanding the women's game, alongside a strategy for the Pacific region.

  • Cumulative match viewership reached 200.5 million, with 186.8 million viewers from Australia and 13.7 million from New Zealand, marking an 8.6 percent increase from the previous year.

  • The league is also exploring expansion opportunities, including a potential team in Papua New Guinea by 2028 and a 19th team in Perth.

  • The financial health of the NRL is further underscored by a 24 percent increase in asset value, now totaling $322.4 million.

  • V'landys emphasized the importance of reinvesting in grassroots and clubs to maintain the sport's momentum.

  • At its annual general meeting held on February 21, 2025, the NRL announced a remarkable operating surplus of $62.3 million for the 2024 season, marking the fourth consecutive surplus since the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • This surplus was achieved alongside record revenue of $744.9 million, reflecting a $43.7 million increase from the previous year, and establishing the 2024 season as the most successful in rugby league's 117-year history in Australia.

  • Participation in rugby league surged to 1.03 million, representing a 20.6 percent increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing engagement with the sport.

  • Total attendances at NRL matches also saw a significant rise, reaching 4.79 million, a 3.8 percent increase from the prior season.

  • The women's rugby league is experiencing significant growth, supported by successful international events like the Pacific Championships.

  • These healthy financial results have allowed the NRL to reinvest significantly into the sport, including grassroots initiatives and record payments to players.

Summary based on 3 sources


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Sources

NRL claims No.1 sport mantle with 10 per cent more viewers than AFL

‘No.1’: NRL records everywhere as revenue hits $770m

news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site • Feb 21, 2025

‘No.1’: NRL records everywhere as revenue hits $770m

$62.3m surplus as NRL becomes No.1 sport in Pacific

The West Australian • Feb 21, 2025

$62.3m surplus as NRL becomes No.1 sport in Pacific

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